The 5 Best White Noise Machines For Snoring + How They Work

Having problems sleeping because of snoring? Trust me, I know how it feels to have difficult getting real rest. I’m a light sleeper and waken up easily because of sounds – including snoring!

Fortunately there’s a good solution: using a white noise machine. But when shopping you definitely don’t want to choose a model that won’t help much. Find the best white noise machine for snoring can be a bit tough if you’re unsure where to begin.

Hopefully I can help. I’ve got 5 great models with brief reviews and information listed below. Additionally, I’ve provided some helpful information to know how they work as well.

What is white noise?

Image showing how white noise can be represented on a graph. It’s shown as volume vs audio frequency, in which the name “white noise” is used to describe audio generated with equal volume at every point over the entire audible range. In other words, it’s noise generated to cover the whole range of sounds your ears can hear.

The concept of white noise is an interesting one and a true blessing for those who need relief for sleep problems caused by others. However, the name itself is often confused a bit with other types of sound.

For the purpose of getting relief from snoring and other outside sounds that interrupt your sleep, here’s what you need to know: white noise is the production of the full range of sound frequencies ears can hear. It provides a means of covering up – and effectively eliminating – bothersome noises.

A lot of the noises you hear everyday such as the human voice, music, and birds only occur in a few portions of the range you can hear. White noise is different from music, for example, because it covers the entire range of sound frequencies.

White noise is often used in many places like baby nurseries and sometimes hotel rooms. Some people who have difficult sleeping like me travel with noise machines in order to ensure they can rest without being disturbed.

Note: The term “white noise” is a technical one as I described here. There are other types of noise production such as brown and pink as well. The “white” noise is often used interchangeably with the others sometimes, so be aware.

While technically not correct to do so, it’s because brown noise can also be used to block outside sounds.

Where are white noise machines used?

I’ve been to many places in my life where noises kept me from getting a peaceful rest or even having a moment to relax undisturbed. Because of my experiences I can tell you how incredibly helpful these little devices can be.

Noise machines are typically used in a number of situations:

In hotel rooms to block water pipe, traffic, A/C, or neighbor noise

Therapy offices or rooms

Baby sleep rooms

Study rooms/personal rooms for study

Bedrooms as a sleep aid

Business offices

You won’t find “hard and fast” rules for when or where they should be used. Just anywhere that you need one is a great use!

Any time or anywhere you need to mask outside noises (especially when someone is snoring) that disturb your concentration or rest you’ll need one. I’ve seen them used in a therapy suites where private rooms are used for counseling sessions. In that environment, multiple noise machines were used to provide a calm, relaxed state for the most effective therapist-counselor sessions.

Sounds such as the human voice (people talking and laughing), snoring, a television, loud music, and much more have a way of affecting our mood and emotional state.

It’s not just that outside noise makes it harder to rest or enjoy your quiet time at home, but also it can induce stress and ruin your productivity and concentration.

How do noise machines work?

Noise machines are so helpful because they use sound to “mask” (cover) and effective block sound so that we won’t hear it. They produce a huge range of sounds in the form of white noise capable of blocking the huge variety of sources that can disturb you.

As long as the outside noise levels are close to the same or less that the volume put out by the machine, they won’t be heard. They’re a great way to finally get reliable sleep.

White noise machines don’t actually remove those bothersome sounds that we all find terrible. However, to our brains, it’s as if they don’t exist. Noise machines work by effectively eliminating them.

Our brains can’t pick out separate noises when a wide variety are mixed together – there’s simply too much information to process when it’s all received at once. For example, have you ever tried listening to 2 music tracks at the same time? It’s incredibly difficult to focus on any one. The principal is the same.

To put in simple terms, white noise machines mask, or cover up, disturbing sounds so that we will never notice them. As long as the volume of the noise source is about the same (or less) than that put out by the machine, you’ll never even know the noises are happening!

Your brain will never detect them and therefore you won’t wake up, be distracted, or be irritated by them any longer.

Snoring is one of the more difficult types of sound to block so it’s especially important to pick an effective model.

How they create background white noise

Sound machines generate helpful white noise by one of 2 methods:

Electromechanical parts

Solid-state electronics and a speaker

Electromechanical noise machines are some of the oldest and easiest to use products. They work by using a type of fan with blades powered by a small electric motor to spin, move air, and create sound.

Products using electronics uses integrated circuits (ICs) and various other components which drive a speaker and generate noise artificially. Many are also capable of mimicking other kinds of sounds like electric fans or rain. They also provide more control over volume levels as well.

Both types have a number of pros and cons: while electromechanical types are very reliable and extremely simple to use, they draw more electricity and have limited features.

In contrast, electronic-based generators are not quite as simple to use and don’t produce a natural sound pattern (although well-designed models are very good).

In some cases their sound production is less effective and they may have poor power-range sound blocking ability. Snoring and the human voice come to mind in this range.

That’s why it’s essential to pick a proven and well-designed model.

How do I use a white noise machine?

Manufacturers recommend placing a noise machine not immediately next to your bed but a several feet away. Optimally, you’ll place it in a location closer to where the noise enters the room. That was (located further from you) you’re able to have the volume set higher than you would immediately next to you. In some cases additional machines may be needed.

There are only a few steps in setting up a noise machine as they’re generally very easy to use. Ideally, you’ll place it in a good location away from your bed at least several feet, and higher off of the floor if possible.

This is helpful for 2 reasons:

You’ll need to adjust the volume to block snoring sounds you’re hearing. If the machine is located too close to your bed you’re much more likely to turn the volume down significantly which will affect its performance.

If placed on the floor, sounds may potentially enter more easily than if it were located on a desk or table for above the floor. Consider where you actually hear them entering the room.

Setting up a noise machine only requires a few steps: adjust the volume as needed to a comfortable level that can block snoring and choose your prefer sound type or sound tone (if applicable) that works well to eliminate snoring.

Desks, tables, or night stands (in other parts of the room) are great locations for them. While you can use yours very closed to your bed if you feel it’s necessary, it’s not ideal.

Locating a noise machine a least 3 feet away is ideal and gives it the opportunity to cover more of the room.

It’s a fantastic little unit that’s one of the best-selling of all time. Buyer reviews are excellent. Even better, the basic, modern design reflects how simple to use it is.

The LectroFan provides an amazing 20 relaxing and snore-masking sounds you can pick from:

10 fan sounds

10 ambient noise variations

You also get not only white noise, but pink and brown as well. Several of the fan sound options include those of a box fan, oscillating fan, and the low-tone mellow fan as well.

Ambient noise choices include those such as “tan”, “coral”, and “pure white” which are a pleasant assortment of background sounds to ease you into a relaxed, comfortable sleep or study session while preventing troublesome noises from bothering you.

One feature I found especially helpful was the ability to power it from a USB source instead of the included AC power adapter. If you’re traveling to or live in the UK or European Union, there’s a version available for those power sources as well!

The ElectroFan is available in a great-looking black model too.

Want it to turn off by itself? No problem! Unlike many competitors, there’s an auto-off 60 minute timer available. The push button volume up and down control makes adjustments a snap.

As it’s electronic, there are no moving parts to wear out. It’s also great for taking with you when traveling.

What sets the LectroFan apart from the competition is the sound quality – Adaptive Sound Technologies uses a custom design with sound equalization to provide optimal sound quality that works effectively to block snoring and give you relief.

2. Marpac Dohm Classic – Classic technology that’s simple to use

One of the first white noise machines I owned was the the Marpac Dohm Classic. Since that time it has been redesigned slightly but still retains the same qualities that make is so popular to this day.

It’s one the easiest-to-use noise machines you’ll find anywhere.

The Classic provides a 2-level volume control and there are no complicated buttons or modes to figure out. Simple switch it on in one of 2 volume settings and go. You’re then instantly ready for relief from snoring and other distracting sounds nearby.

The Marpac Dohm Classic features a modern yet simple design. Black and tan colors are available as well.

A great feature is the ability to adjust the sound and tone of the white noise to your liking. By rotating the outside shell on it, air flow is affected, resulting in the sound changing to better fit your needs.

As far as white machines go, it’s a good choice I’m sure you’d like. Many happy buyers would agree, too.

The Snooz white noise machine is a sleek and stylish little noise machine that gives you the best of both worlds: classic and natural sound production for great snoring relief but with the added benefits from modern electronics, too.

The motor-driven internal fan provides years of reliable sound production. A brushless electric motor provides long life and avoid mechanical noise.

10 volume settings are available. Similar to the Marpac Dohm Classic, you can adjust the tone of the white noise sound simply by rotating the outer body section.

Adjusting the sound is easy. Simply rotate the outside portion of the unit to adjust the sound tone as you prefer. The top panel features touch controls with simple volume up and own buttons as well as the power button.

It also has one of the best volume ranges of any noise machine sold today, with a low 46dB to a strong 87dB of volume level available. Additionally, it’s one of the most highly rated for blocking out irritating and bothersome sounds around you.

The free smart phone app gives you the ability to control one or more Snooz machines right from your phone! The app is easy to use and makes operation a snap. You can change volume, on/off, and more without having to leave your bed or desk.

A powerful smart phone app for both iPhone or Android devices is available (free) allow Bluetooth remote control for multiple rooms and machines. All major functions are available at your fingertips.

Use the auto on-off scheduler for having you Snooz devices turn on or off automatically for ultimate convenience. Not only that, but you can name each device to keep track if using more than one noise machine. It’s an especially helpful feature I like.

4. Avantek White Noise Basic – An affordable way to get snoring relief that works

The Avantek White Noise Basic has a good combination of performance, features, and definitely affordability too. If your budget is $50 and below, it’s one I strongly suggest you consider.

Volume controls are some of the most flexible of any noise machine sold to with 30 increments available. The Avantek is also one of the most powerful with a whopping 115dB of maximum volume available.

One feature I found very cool is the settings memory. The next time the unit is powered off then back on, it will recall the last settings used and will start back up where you left off last time. No need to fumble around and adjust it all over again!

Prefer a different color? The Avantek Basic is sold in a more traditional-looking white model as well. The Basic is really easy to use and features simple controls. The design reduces product cost while also allowing more options than some other similarly-priced competitors.

The great-looking satin black finish is accentuated with a blue ring on the top of the unit and sets it apart from other boring brands. However, if that style isn’t a good fit for you, don’t worry. A more conservative white version is available, too.

The pushbutton controls are really simple to use and greatly remind me of an MP3 player. Use the volume up/down buttons to adjust the sound level and change sounds quickly using the track forward/back buttons. Very easy to get used to!

Up to 20 soothing sounds can be selected so you can enjoy a relaxing home or help you sleep by blocking snoring sounds:

6 white noise sounds

6 fan sounds

8 nature sounds

Rounding it all of this the convenient timer feature. Select from 1 to 7 hours of playback time before the machine turns itself off automatically. Or use the continuous play feature uninterrupted and clear background white noise all day and night long.

PROS:

18 month warranty

Simple controls – similar to MP3 player

Volume adjustment up/down buttons

Auto off timer: 1-7 hours

20 sounds available

Memory function for restoring last settings automatically

2 color choices (black, white)

AC power or USB power inputs

Soft-fade volume decrease at end of timer

Non-looping sounds (continuous without breaks)

Auto-off timer LED indicator lights (indicates hour selection)

Lower power use

CONS:

7-hour auto-off timer is a bit short for typical sleep

No smart phone control

Can’t adjust sound tones – plays fixed sound types

No headphone jack for connection to speaker system

No touch controls

Ambient sound options only available in Pro model

The Avantek Basic in my opinion is a good compromise between cost, features, and ease of use.

Got a tight budget but need relief from bothersome snoring noise? The Big Red Rooster BRRC107 is a great option you should seriously consider.

The BRRC107 model includes 6 pleasant background sounds:

White noise

Rain

Thunder

Brook

Ocean sounds

Summer night

Even though it’s inexpensive (often priced at $30 and below) it even features a wonderful auto-off timer with 15, 30, and 60 minute settings.

Another great feature is the additional power source option that’s wonderful for travel. When not using it with included AC power adapter at home, you can use 3 AA batteries for sound relief anywhere! That’s fantastic for when a power outage occurs but you still want to be able to sleep in peace.

Although not all sounds are ideal for blocking out snoring, when relaxation or study time comes the nature sounds are a pleasant way to make the most of your leisure time.

Controls are simple to use and clearly labeled. Volume up and down buttons are conveniently located on the front and top of the unit along with the power on/off button and timer selection indicators. The sound isn’t quite as good as some of the more expensive models, but still good nonetheless.

In my opinion it’s a good choice for those who need a lower-cost solution. It would have been nice to see timer options above 60 minutes, but at this price it’s hard to complain considering the great value.

PROS:

Small size

Simple & clear push button controls

15, 30, and 60 minute auto-off timers

Battery power option

Travel-ready design

6 sound options

Adjustable volume controls

Popular model with many good reviews

Lower power use

Low cost

CONS:

Sound quality could better

No additional color options

Limited sound choices

No smart phone control

Timer options are limited

No USB power connections

You don’t have to spend a lot to get relief from snoring. The Big Bad Rooster BRRC107 is a great choice for limited budgets.

Editor’s choice: the best white noise machine for snoring

For the money, the LectroFan from Advanced Sound Technologies gets my Editor’s Choice award for the best white noise machine for snoring relief.

It’s hard to find a unit with so many sound options, proven happy owners, and a price that’s right for most everyone. Not only that, but with the USB power capability, light weight, and small size, it’s great to take with you.

A smart phone control option or a finer volume control would have been excellent, but those are minor quibbles for a well-performing white noise machine with great sound quality.

Additional reading

If you’ve got air quality problems like allergies, dust, or pet dander, there are some great solutions that can help! Don’t you deserve to not only sleep comfortably at home but breathe comfortably as well?